Sourcing Specialist

Company Description

Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works, is a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment and supplies for use in material analysis. Over the past 80+ years, Buehler has established sales, manufacturing and laboratory services located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Comprised of world-class products and brands, such as Wilson Hardness, Buehler continues a long history of providing market-leading technology to support our customers in their sample preparation and material analysis applications. 

Buehler’s parent company, ITW, is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The Company focuses on profitable growth with strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets.

Job Description

As the Sourcing Specialist, you will have responsibility for the overall relationship between Buehler and a set of our key suppliers. Tapping into your strategic thinking, innate leadership and superior communication skills, you manage current supplier performance as well as uncover/ready potential new suppliers. You are a go-getter who takes the initiative while applying your financial & business analysis skills which are greatly aided by your background in engineering or technology.

• Identify and implement strategic sourcing projects to realize 1% annual savings through various sourcing initiatives including VA/VE, improved manufacturability, new technology, alternative suppliers, simplification, cost reduction programs and any other opportunities that may present a competitive advantage.
• Lead the sourcing activities in Buehler’s innovation projects including supplier identification, Request for Quote (RFQ), supplier negotiations, supplier onboarding and launch into production.
• Establish and sustain a partnership with Engineering, Quality, Product Management and Corporate Sourcing Team​ to identify, evaluate and approve new and alternate suppliers.
• Strategize with Purchasing Manager and other key stakeholders to award business in support of Buehler’s cost savings, inventory management, delivery and quality targets.
• Conduct regular supplier visits and establish relationships with 80’s and strategic partners; manage supplier database
• Lead the annual Supplier Performance Scorecard process including data analysis and communication to suppliers with support from Supply Chain team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education & experience
• 3+ years of progressive experience in Purchasing /Procurement positions in a manufacturing environment
• Superior negotiation and communication skills including the ability to interact with all levels of management and cross functional teams
• Proven ability to develop strong business relationships with key suppliers
• Strong organization and project management skills
• Ability to self-prioritize in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficiency in all MS Office Suite applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience in low volume, high mix electromechanical manufacturing is preferred
• Experience with Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) is a plus
• Experience with abrasive grinding products is a plus
• Ability to travel 25%

Additional Information

Base salary for Seattle residents: 75,000 - $90,000. Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Buehler is located in Lake Bluff, IL, and falls within TW's Test and Measurement Segment. To learn more about our brand, please visit www.buehler.com.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please click here.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.